Hmm there really isn't an average. Everything from the paper you choose to
the negatives themselves to the lens and enlarger used will change things.
Processing time is a function of the developer you choose. Assuming you know
how to make a test strip try that. If not read this:

"MAKING YOUR FIRST B&W PRINT"

You can download it from the webpage on the next line.

http://www.ilford.com/html/us_english/bw.html

Nick

I would suggest grading your negatives "by eye" and arranging them from darkest
to lightest.
Using an "average" neg, start with the enlarger head about 18" above the base,
and do a test print with times of 8. 10, 12, 16. 20 seconds at f8. Then proceed
as usual.
This only gives a starting point or the rest of the negatives, of course.  In
practice, judging the exposure from eyeballing the density of the negative is
almost impossible (for me at least!).
If the negs are big enough, you could combine making a contact sheet with
making a test exposure, which will give you a starting point for more than one
neg.
Other options include a densitimeter (which I assume you dont have) or scanning
in the negatives on a suitable scanner (which you also wont have... 8-).
good luck - old photos are fascinating...
Kieran

If the negatives are big enough, you could m

Jennie - you have a big task.  Making a test for each negative is a big task.
An analyzer would be of help - but they have to be calibrated and there is an
initial cost.  But an analyzer would be of benefit to you.

But I would be tempted to get usable prints by exposing wet - that is, set up
the enlarger and easel - and then thoroughly wet the piece of printing paper,
put it on the easel and turn on the enlarger - expose until the image seems to
disappear, turn off the enlarger and finish processing the print.  The print
will not be perfect - but still quite good.

It has been years (40 or so) since I "played around" with this - but it works.
As I recall - the image seems to disappear - but it has been a long time.  And
it could be dependent on the developer and paper combination too - but try it
and see what happens. ---- Jerry/Idaho

it ain't that simple!  however, at the end of 1900 negs, you'll be pretty
good at eyeballing them for suitable times!

the easy ones...

processing time... whatever the manufacturer recommends (1min to 2mins
usually)
f-stop...  2 stops down from maximum (the smallest number) of your lens

the easy ways of the not so easy...

1. pay someone else to do it (either traditionally, or more like;y, scanned
and printed)
2. buy an analyser, make a satisfactory print from a neg, calibrate the
analyser and away you go....
3. As mentioned, group negs by density, do a test strip of one and use the
results for the rest of that group (which begs the question, 4 different neg
sizes.. do you have lens to suit?)

the way to get good prints...

do test strips...  no doubt you'll need different grades of paper, etc

Good luck!

Cheers, Nige

 The much practiced "minimum exposure for maximum black" is where
to start. The clear areas of the negative should produce maximum density,
max D, on the print. Determine that exposure then fine tune.
 For 5x7 test strips try f16 for 3, 6, and 9 seconds. That may put you
in the ballpark. For testing 5x7 is a good size. I buy it 100 sheets at
a time.
 Are you thinking VC or Graded? What enlarger are you using?        Dan

Difficult to do via correspondence:  too many variables (paper, what developers
you use, temperature, contrast, etc.)  Try to find a local person familiar with
black & white darkroom work to help you out.

If you absolutely have to do this yourself, visit your local camera store and
see if they have any of Kodak's basic darkroom books, the follow the
directions.

mjs
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